Oktoberfest

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The last 2 days spent in Ireland saw us head up to Belfast. Everyone I talk to at the moment gets me rambling on about it for the next 15 minutes at least. It is a real eye-opening place. Even though there has been "peace" there for nearly a decade now, the division between the two sides is so obvious everywhere you go. Em and I went on a black cab tour that takes you around all of the political "hotspots" including the amazing murals, the Protestant side of West Belfast and the Catholic side of West Belfast. They actually have a peace wall that divides the two areas, like a mini Berlin wall. They open the gates up during the day to allow people through to do business etc, and close them at night to prevent any problems. We also drove past the former gaol and courthouse, which is soon to be pulled down, Sinn Fein (hoped I spelled that right), and the former HQ of the IRA. Got alot of pictures of the murals etc. There's one that shows a gunman pointing a gun at you, and as you walk past, it looks like the barrel and his eye is following you. Freaky stuff.
Anyway, we headed back to Dublin and checked out the two most important buildings in Ireland (maybe Europe). The old Jameson distillery and the Guinness Storehouse. The Jameson tour was quick but good, and we got to try a glass of whiskey at the end. I had mine straight with a couple of iceblocks in for good measure. Beautiful stuff. Most people know this is my favourite whiskey, so I wasn't suprised that once I'd finished my glass, I looked around and people were still on their first couple of sips, including Em, who isn't a whiskey drinker. She could see the hunger in my eyes, so gave me her drink as well. I finished that one before everyone else were halfway through theirs.
Onto the Guinness Storehouse. This was a self guided tour, alot larger than the Jameson one. It was really interesting, and you also get a free pint at the top of the Storehouse.
We flew out to Munich the next day and met up with Clare. We found a bar to drink at since it was too late to visit the festival.
Yesterday, we woke up after a few too many the night before, and headed where everyone else in the city were headed. Oktoberfest. 15 beer tents (maybe even 16), and a hell of alot of litre beers and people. Its great. Litre beers go down just as quick as a pint! They have traditional bands playing and a every now and then play a certain song, which everyone stands up to clinking glasses with whoever's near them at the time, and shouting Prost! Its just one huge party, with people of all ages. I'm hoping to have a litre at each tent before heading up to Berlin tomorrow. Only got to 5 so far, so it might be difficult (crowds slow your progress down). I'm rating each tent as well. Marks out of ten for four different things: beer, girls, atmosphere and music. After each drink I noticed the scores for girls getting higher. The famous beer goggles in effect. Anyway, you must be thinking why I'm at Oktoberfest and sitting at a computer instead of drinking..... Well, so am I. I'm off to change that. Seeya.

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Photos

Welcome To Oktoberfest
The sign says it all.

Can Someone Find Me A Seat?
You won't be served unless you're seated.

Got Myself A Seat
And a beer. Prost!!

One Big Party
And i think this was at a quieter period.

Comments

[Katy]

hiya
Hey Rick, I went on that black cab tour in Belfast too - its amazing what you learn and those murals are pretty full on. Sounds like you are having loads of fun so want to see all the photos when i am in Hobart in a few weeks time. Safe trip home.